Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered flags on state buildings flown at half staff in honor of Utah Marine, Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover who died along with 12 other service members in an explosion at the Kabul airport.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sent his deepest condolences Friday to the family of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover.
Hoover was one of 13 Marines killed Thursday in a suicide bombing near the Kabul, Afghanistan airport. The troops were there trying to help evacuate US citizens and Afghan residents who are seeking asylum.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover. Staff Sgt. Hoover served valiantly as a Marine and died serving his fellow countrymen as well as America’s allies in Afghanistan,” Gov. Cox said in a statement. “We honor his tremendous bravery and commitment to his country, even as we condemn the senseless violence that resulted in his death. Abby and I pray for Staff Sgt. Hoover, his family and loved ones during this most difficult time.”
In the aftermath of Thursday’s tragedy, Gov. Cox has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff. The flags will remain lowered until Aug. 30.
Read more: